Ruben Neves has signed for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal
Ruben Neves struggled to keep his emotions in check in a message to Wolves fans when his move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal was confirmed.
The midfielder ends his six-year spell at Molineux having moved to club FC Porto when they were in the league. Neves was one of the stars to bring them back to the Premier League, but he leaves with a year left on his contract for a fee estimated at £47m.
He signs a three-year deal in the Saudi Pro League with Europe’s latest star to make the lucrative move to Asia. Karim Benzema joined Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Ittihad and N’Golo Kante ended his Premier League stint by joining his French club-mate after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired.
Liverpool have been linked with the Portuguese midfielder as his future at Molineux has become uncertain. In February, it was reported that his agent Jorge Mendes met Barcelona bosses during a summer move. Sport have indicated they would prefer to leave the English top flight but a move to a top club is not out of the question.
The move was confirmed on Friday and Neves was introduced as the Al Hilal player. In a message to Wolves fans, Neves said with tears in his eyes: “Wolves. Six seasons. Two hundred and fifty-three matches. Championship champion. Five years in the Premier League. FA Cup semi-final. Our European adventure and great successes.
“Thirty goals. Thirteen models and thousands of memories that will last forever. What an incredible journey. I’ve worked with so many great people along the way, from the equipment guys to the kitchen staff, to the ground staff, to the members of the Board of Directors, from the…” physiotherapists, coaches, technical staff, media, everyone with whom I have had the privilege of working.
“Every moment has been unforgettable. All the players who have been with the club for the past six years are friends for life.
The way we protected the peloton was truly amazing, the way we worked together and fought for overall, what we’ve accomplished and all the times we’ve shared together. Incredible.”
He continued: “There are no words to describe our dressing room, with a team spirit that I had never experienced before and then becoming captain last year made me so proud. Thanks guys .” What we did will remain forever in the club’s history.
“I can’t thank you enough for the welcome, I can’t thank you enough for the way you have treated me and especially the way you have adopted my family as one of your own.
The way you support the team is unreal, I was surprised when I arrived [at the club] at the start of the league season and now I will be one of you, a huge fan for life, it feels very much at home here and we will never forget you.
“Six years is a long, long time, my kids grew up in Wolverhampton, they were so happy here. My lovely wife and I will never forget our time here as a family.
“I hope we can keep this great bond.
I’m leaving as a player, but I will always be a wolf. Thanks for everything and see you one day at the South Bank.
“We are wolves. Your captain, Ruben Neves.’
